Storms of August 28

August 28, 2018--Thunderstorms are moving through the Chicago area this afternoon and evening. Still, the cicadas are singing in the rain. Here's what was happening on this day in weather history--

August 28, 2017--Hurricane Harvey

Hurricane Harvey is the second most damaging storm, after Hurricane Katrina, to hit the mainland United States. Hurricane Harvey made landfall on August 25, 2017 as a Category 4 hurricane. The storm stalled for days, dumping torrential rains on Houston, other cities in Texas, and along the gulf coast. Vulnerable to flooding, Houston is still recovering from the damages of Hurricane Harvey. You can read more in this article from the Atlantic.

Hurricane Katrina was the strongest hurricane ever recorded. On August 28, 2005, it was a Category 5 hurricane with sustained winds of over 160 mph when it made landfall along the Louisiana coast. Even though there was advance warning, many people could not leave and those who did drive away found themselves stuck on the highways.

In New Orleans, the storm surge was over 20 feet, and the levees broke. 80% of New Orleans was underwater. The low-lying areas suffered the most damage. The SuperDome was not adequate for the numbers of people seeking shelter.

Many people have been displaced and have not returned to New Orleans or small towns in Louisiana. To me, Katrina was a preview of storms to come. It is one of the first examples of extreme weather and inadequate disaster response. The most vulnerable people suffered. Over 1800 people died.

August 28, 1990--the Plainfield tornado
In contrast, the Plainfield tornado came almost without advance warning on a hot summer afternoon.

Meet The Blogger

Weather Girl

I am originally a country girl from downstate Illinois. I was a Chicago girl in Rogers Park by the Lake. Now I live in Oak Park, by the Blue Line and the Congress Expressway. I write about the weather and other things. Hope you enjoy and join in these observations. Welcome to Chicago Weather Watch!